When Jacob Kiplimo crosses the finish line, he is powered not only by his talent but also by data. The Ugandan long-distance runner and TeamGalaxy athlete uses the Galaxy Watch8 to transform complex biometric data into valuable insights that shape his winning strategy.
This blend of technology and talent has already yielded significant results. After a commanding victory at the 2025 Chicago Marathon and breaking the half-marathon world record in Lisbon this March, the 25-year-old now sets his sights on the 2026 London Marathon.
To celebrate World Health Day 2026 on April 7, Samsung Newsroom invited Kiplimo to discuss his data-driven training regimen, which aligns with this year’s WHD slogan, “Together for health. Stand with science.”
With exclusive access to his Samsung Health metrics, we explore his intense training program, where he covered over 100 km in just one week. Discover how insights helped him adjust his training for optimal recovery and how a “rest day” might still involve a 3 km run.
Q. Congratulations on your recent world record at the 2026 Lisbon Half Marathon. What’s the secret to your success?
There’s no secret. It’s about discipline. You must work hard, focus intensely, and manage your energy—knowing when to rest and when to push harder. The most crucial part is truly wanting what you’re working towards. I wouldn’t have broken the world record if I didn’t follow that formula.
Q. You finished second at the 2025 London Marathon and are now preparing to go one step further at this year’s event. What role has your Galaxy Watch8 played in your training?
My coach isn’t in Uganda, so my Galaxy Watch8 acts as his personal assistant here. Even though he’s not with me, he can access real-time analysis and reports on my running form through the Running Analysis feature in Samsung Health. We monitor my heart rate and pace for each kilometer. During challenging sessions, I check asymmetry readings to see if I’m overcompensating, helping me avoid strain. Contact time is another critical factor, allowing me to make minor adjustments for efficiency. Improving my running economy is a constant goal, and these insights are invaluable.
Q. Looking at your recent Samsung Health data, we can see some clear patterns in your training routine. Tell us about your regime.
Consistency is essential, but athletes shouldn’t be obsessed with training. Many don’t realize that rest is as crucial as physical training. To perform at your best, you need to maximize energy, which requires consistent rest. However, “rest” doesn’t always mean no training; it can mean running 3 km instead of 40 km. Consistency is key, but you must listen to your body and know when to ease up. Technology is a great aid in this.
Q. Can you give us an example of how a specific insight from the Samsung Health app led you to adapt your training program?
The decision to run 3 km instead of 40 km was a real scenario. After feeling some lingering soreness during a recent 24 km run, I opted for a light 3 km jog instead of a planned 40 km run to ensure recovery and maintain stamina for future sessions. The Samsung Health app was instrumental here, informing me so I could allow my body to recover fully and prevent injury or burnout.
Q. We’ve seen how a professional runner like yourself uses data to reach their goals. What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their running journey, and how can the Running Coach feature get them on the right track?
For beginners, it’s vital to start slowly and be patient. Stamina builds over time; knowing when to push and when to stop is essential. Not everyone has a personal coach to tailor a training plan, but the Running Coach feature offers customized programs to help even beginners train for a marathon. It guides you through runs, motivates you, and helps you improve. New runners are fortunate to have this technology guiding them every step of the way. It’s also beneficial for more experienced runners aiming for a full marathon, providing structured programs.
Q. On World Health Day, the message is “Together for health, stand with science.” How does this relate to your own philosophy?
Science is integral to my training. I rely on the data from my Galaxy Watch8 to shape my routine. Science and technology help me perform at my best, and I believe they can do the same for anyone.
From a young runner in Uganda to a world-record holder, Kiplimo exemplifies what can be achieved when relentless dedication meets smart technology. Whether you are an elite athlete striving for the podium or someone beginning a healthier lifestyle, the Galaxy Watch8 offers actionable insights to help you develop healthier habits and achieve your goals.
